Transformed into the leader of an esoteric sect in Japan

As Kurosawa Shizuki relaxed slightly, the dark shadows behind her disappeared one by one.

The followers stood up in unison, and the baby-faced female follower in a gray robe stepped forward and respectfully asked Kurosawa Shizuki:

"Saintess Kurosawa, what are we going to do next? Do you still need to hear this month's work report? Or should we just disband?"

There are work reports too? Kurosawa Shizuki hesitated for a moment. So our cult holds regular meetings? That's good, we should listen to them. It'll be a good opportunity for her to understand the situation better.

"Continue with the work report." Kurosawa Shizuki continued to maintain her ruthless and taciturn demeanor. The less she said, the fewer flaws she would reveal. She now had to gather as much information as possible by any means necessary.

Although many people died suddenly in the ceremony, most of the believers who were in charge of the various parishes were at least senior believers and were fortunate enough not to be sacrificed, so the work report can probably still continue.

First, Kurosawa Shizuki confirmed the identities of the two high-ranking cult members, which were indeed consistent with the system's previous notification.

The tall, muscular man in the lion-skin coat appeared to be of mixed Western European and Japanese descent. He was probably at least 1.9 meters tall, which would be considered almost a giant in Heijō. His name was Shinji Sakata, the editor-in-chief of a publishing house in Japan, who was in charge of the Fukakusa parish.

The baby-faced woman in the gray dress is actually a lead planner at the "Shadow Sun" game company in Pingjing. She graduated from university long ago and seems to be just young-looking. Her name is Hase Yukari, and she is in charge of the Jing'an Garden Diocese.

The remaining five people in charge come from all sorts of backgrounds, including the chairman of a brewing association, a painter, a TV station director, and even a girl group idol manager, but they are all basically practitioners in the cultural and entertainment industry.

Kurosawa Shizuki remembered seeing something about the characteristics of a sect before, such as "a continuous source of spirituality." It seems that this esoteric sect is indeed more likely to attract people with this kind of spirituality.

Kurosawa Shizuki listened attentively to the reports from several believers and gathered a considerable amount of information.

First, the Mitrahel branch established a total of seven dioceses in the 23 districts of Heijō. Some dioceses encompassed three or four districts, while others only covered half of a large district. Overall, their influence covered about one-third of Heijō.

“Twelve new vengeful spirits and five types of strange creatures have been deployed in the seven parishes, but most of the vengeful spirits and strange creatures deployed last month have already been removed by the Anti-Eradication Bureau,” Yukari Hase added.

Arranging vengeful spirits and strange occurrences? Jingxi felt like she had heard something incredible. Was their cult really that powerful? They could even control ghosts and monsters?

“But at least it diverted the authorities’ attention, allowing us to continue our precious mission.” Shinji Sakata asked cautiously, “Holy Maiden, shall we continue to guide the evil spirits to cause chaos?”

"Of course we should continue. Keep those guys from the Anti-Suppression Bureau as busy as possible." Kurosawa Shizuki nodded in approval of the cultists' work. "Hmm, well done."

"Hehehe... The Holy Maiden's will is our will! Those guys from the Anti-Suppression Bureau won't have an easy time this month either." Hearing the Holy Maiden's praise, the tense believers seemed to relax a little.

"More importantly than all that, how is our real 'great undertaking' progressing?" Jingxi carefully steered the conversation, realizing that what she was about to discuss was the real focus.

P.S., there will be another update at 6 PM tonight! Wahaaaa! Recommend! Add to favorites! Vote! I'm begging for everything! Awwwww!

Section 4, Chapter 4: So we're actually a cultural and entertainment group?

Kurosawa Shizuki had expected the cult members to discuss something terrifying, such as the horrific conspiracy they had orchestrated in Heijyo, a series of sinister plans. However, she never anticipated hearing something entirely different.

"Our third-quarter production, the drama series 'World of Wonders,' began airing last Saturday during prime time. It achieved a 13.6% viewership rating on its first day, and has been steadily increasing by about 0.3% to 0.5% each day since then. The results are stable, and we've finally managed to carve out a niche for ourselves in the ratings battle against the four major television networks. Two other brand-new variety shows are currently in the planning stages." This report appears to have been given by the vice president of Heijing Suzaku Television.

"Over here, Ms. Yoko Ueda's new song 'Kagerou' is about to be released. The music video on YouTube has already surpassed 4 million views, and it has been in the top three of the Billboard Hot 100 for two consecutive weeks. Her first-quarter national tour is scheduled to begin next month." This seems to be the manager of a singer.

"Kurozono-sensei's twelfth volume of 'Deep Earth Chronicles' is about to be released. 'Blast' has recently captured about 26% of the seinen manga market, but 'Jump' is catching up very quickly, putting a lot of pressure on us. We're considering further development in the adult manga department, especially since two artists have recently emerged as rising stars. Ah, what a shame, it seems one of the artists just got burned." This was clearly an editor from the manga publishing company.

"The development of *Black Spring Soul 2* is progressing smoothly. We've completed 25 hours of gameplay and 17 bosses, and are now in the debugging phase. We released a teaser trailer the day before yesterday, which has generated some discussion among players." The next speaker was Yukari Hasegawa, the lead planner at Shadow Sun, speaking in a nonchalant tone. "By the way, Saintess, didn't you say a few days ago you wanted to try out our demo? We should be able to send it to you next week. We look forward to your feedback. It will definitely bring you a very, very, very enjoyable experience!"

Kurosawa Shizuki was completely dumbfounded. What the hell was this? Were we really a secret cult? It sounded more like a massive cultural and entertainment conglomerate that was starting to infiltrate all of Japan!

Shouldn't we be holding more rituals like the one we just witnessed, performing more forbidden sacrifices, and initiating more terrorist activities, such as mass suicides, serial killings, and infiltration plots? Why are they all so focused on creating idols, drawing comics, making games, and filming TV dramas?

"By the way, Saintess Kurosawa, I am honored to inform you that your light novel, 'Summer, Black Flame, Her Fingers,' has won the Kangda Award for Best Newcomer in Light Literature. We are preparing to publish it next week, and I imagine you will soon receive a considerable sum of royalties," Shinji Sakata said to Shizuki Kurosawa with a smile.

What?! Kurosawa Shizuki was completely dumbfounded. I'm actually a pretty good light novel author? And I even won an award?!

"As expected of the once-in-a-millennium genius saintess in the Order, she can win major awards with overwhelming force even when she devotes herself to light novel writing."

"I was fortunate enough to read an internal version of that novel. It possesses a rich and profound beauty of mono no aware (the pathos of things), and its value is no longer limited to the category of light novels. Once it is released to the public, it will surely create a sensation."

"A beautiful young girl who is also a holy maiden of a religious order. Reality is really more interesting than fiction. I'm starting to wonder if this is a plot from a light novel."

The believers were talking amongst themselves, but most of them were praising Kurosawa Shizuki, which made her blush a little.

"However, Saintess Kurosawa, your second volume is still a month late. To be honest, our editors don't dare to urge you to submit it." Sakata Shinji, dressed in a lion's skin, glanced at Kurosawa Shizuki with a rather resentful look.

"Hehe, I'm writing it now, and I'll submit the manuscript soon..." Kurosawa Shizuki gave an awkward but polite smile. How the hell am I supposed to write this? I don't even know what the first volume of this light novel is about!

It seems they really did cancel!

"In short, it seems that everyone's work is going quite well," Yukari Hase said with a satisfied smile to the many believers, before his eyes became gloomy again. "But let's not forget the real message that our work needs to convey."

The believers looked at each other and smiled:

"That's for sure. Sooner or later, the entire capital and even the whole of Japan will be shrouded in the light of the dark sun."

"As the work spreads, 'that' will likely be etched into the hearts of more people."

"The meme of the Black Sun is the divine body of the Black Sun, hehe~"

Kurosawa Shizuki's pupils contracted slightly. "Passing on a message"? It seems that the Black Sun Cult's production of numerous cultural products, such as TV dramas, comics, music videos, light novels, and games, really does have ulterior motives?

Based on the discussions among believers, it is believed that these works of art contain some special message that needs to be conveyed to consumers.

Could it be that they're trying to subtly spread the Mithraic cult through cultural products? To brainwash consumers? Or is there some other, more sinister motive? For some reason, it reminds me of a ridiculously melodramatic "greatest and most despairing event in human history" from my past life.

Kurosawa Shizuki had heard some urban legends before, such as that a song or an anime might contain a special message hidden in a certain syllable or frame of animation by a malicious creator. Although consumers could hardly detect the creator's "poisoning" when listening to the song or watching the anime, those hidden messages could indeed be captured and absorbed by the human subconscious.

The most famous work of this kind in Kurosawa Shizuki's memory is probably the legendary suicide anthem "Black Friday"? It's said that no one has ever heard the original version of this song because everyone who did has committed suicide due to the hidden message within it. Of course, these things are most likely all rumors.

Does this mean that all works produced by the Black Sun Cult are like this?

Kurosawa Shizuki had many questions she wanted to ask, but she didn't know how to obtain the relevant information in a proper way. Logically speaking, she, as the highest-ranking person, should know the most about the "hidden information." If she rashly asked followers of lower rank, it would easily arouse suspicion if the questioning was not done properly.

We'll have to find an opportunity later to subtly gather relevant information. For example... studying the works published by these companies affiliated with the Black Sun Cult.

"Yes, everyone did a good job. We must continue to work hard for our common great cause." Kurosawa Shizuki then maintained her aloof demeanor and affirmed the work of her subordinates.

“Well then, there’s one last thing.” Hase Yukari glanced at Kurosawa Shizuki out of the corner of her eye.

"Next, we'll discuss the ceremony we just had," Sakata Shinji, who had been smiling just moments before, suddenly said with a serious and cold expression. "Saintess Kurosawa, you should remember that, because you are too young, the Holy Lord entrusted you with the task of consulting me first if you have any difficult decisions in the affairs of the Order."

"Hmm...that's probably it." Kurosawa Shizuki's mind was blank, and she could only answer in an ambiguous tone.

"Please remember that the Corona Ritual is held very rarely, even at headquarters, only once a year. Even if you could easily hold it, you must consider the capacity of ordinary believers to bear it," Shinji Sakata said to Shizuki Kurosawa with neither humility nor arrogance. "This time, you raised the level of the ritual without warning, causing serious personnel losses to the cult. Even though the ritual was ultimately successful and almost all the surviving believers were promoted, we still cannot ignore the terrible risks behind the ritual."

“The success rate of the third-stage divinely favored ritual is less than 30%. You rashly carried out the ritual before, and there are still living people here. It’s truly a miracle,” Yukari Hasegawa added with lingering fear.

“Only those who are favored by the gods in the fourth stage can truly master the Corona Ritual. Please do not act so recklessly again,” Shinji Sakata solemnly advised. “Before you enter the fourth stage, you must never touch this forbidden ritual again.”

“Well… if the fourth stage is enough to master the ritual,” Kurosawa Shizuki smiled somewhat reluctantly, “come to think of it, after the ritual, I think I was already at the fourth stage.”

"Good that you remember this. I was just..." Shinji Sakata was still talking to himself when his expression suddenly changed drastically. "What? You said you've already reached the fourth stage?"

Shinji Sakata closed his eyes, spread his five fingers, and looked towards Shizuki Kurosawa with a horrified expression: "This feeling is truly the presence of the fourth stage, like the incarnation of the Black Sun!"

“Congratulations, Holy Maiden. I will report this to the Holy Lord soon, and I believe the Holy Lord will be pleased for you. The status of our Heijing branch will likely be further enhanced,” said Shinji Sakata.

The secret room fell into a deathly silence once again, before the believers erupted in a flurry of chatter.

“It’s actually true. It seems that only a fourth-stage ‘Bride’ can maintain that number of Shadow Servants,” Yukari Hasegawa said in shock.

"A witness to the fourth stage? What a joke! That's someone who's only one step away from becoming an immortal!"

"Our Holy Maiden is barely an adult, yet she's already approaching the Holy Lord on the Path of the Black Sun?"

"It seems that the next Crown Prince is very likely to fall to the Saintess Kurosawa?"

"Please be quiet, everyone," Shinji Sakata finally quelled the commotion in the secret room. "The most urgent task now is to assess the current personnel losses and figure out how to handle the aftermath to avoid being targeted by the Anti-Suppression Bureau."

Under the guidance of two senior cultists, the number of survivors was quickly counted again. As indicated by the Kurosawa Shizuki system, 51 cultists died from the sudden coronal ritual performed by Kurosawa Shizuki.

"The loss of 51 people, alas, is indeed very heavy. It is only a level two ritual that has such a terrifying effect."

"The surviving believers have at least awakened their dark matter spirit bodies, which is good for the cult in general."

"I doubt the believers who died in the ritual would think that way, ha."

"In the end, it's up to the cleaners to clean up the mess..."

In a brief but heated discussion, the believers came up with a simple solution, suggesting that this was not the first time they had dealt with such a situation.

Specialized cult members employ hypnosis and illusion magic to fabricate memories and brainwash the families and friends of the deceased. The cult plans to create numerous "accidents" to disguise the deaths of these violently deceased members as accidental or simple disappearances. The cult appears to have a dedicated logistics and public relations department to handle these aftermath matters; even if all the members who died here are reduced to ashes, they even have specialized methods to use unidentified corpses to disguise them as those of the deceased members.

In the vast land of Japan, especially in this era of mysterious resurgence, countless people die silently every day. The accidental deaths of a mere forty or fifty people are insignificant in this enormous number.

However, having lost nearly a tenth of the cult's members, it will likely take a long time to recruit them back.

At least Shizuki Kurosawa no longer dares to try the so-called "corona ceremony" with such a heavy price.

P.S., I feel like one chapter is too long; next time I'll split the chapters...

Section 5, Chapter 5: I'm actually going to eat this stuff?!

The gathering of the esoteric Buddhists was short, especially considering that many of the members had died suddenly in the ceremony. After the work report was completed, the discussion on the aftermath was finished, and after consulting with Shizuki Kurosawa, Shinji Sakata, who seemed to have considerable prestige among the esoteric Buddhists, announced the end of the gathering.

So all the believers stood obediently facing the direction of Kurosawa Shizuki, and Hase Yukari announced softly, "The ceremony is now complete."

With a "slap!", all the cultists clasped their hands together above their heads, then slowly lowered their palms to their chests and bowed deeply to Kurosawa Shizuki: "May the Holy Maiden grant us the eternal presence of the Black Spirit."

The meeting adjourned, and everyone went home to their own families. Watching the many believers head towards the exit, only Kurosawa Shizuki remained sitting blankly on the altar. She wanted to go home too, but she had no idea where her home was or how to get back.

"Saintess Kurosawa, would you like to eat now, or go straight home?" A fervent and respectful female voice rang out.

Kurosawa Shizuki looked in the direction of the sound and saw a black-robed cultist remove his hood, revealing a slightly immature face. It was a girl with decent looks, a bob haircut, who looked to be in her early twenties and was wearing a pair of silver-gray earrings.

Noticing that Kurosawa Shizuki was looking at her, the girl quickly lowered her head, not daring to make any eye contact with him. However, her face was slightly flushed, whether from excitement or shyness.

"Let's eat." Kurosawa Shizuki rubbed her lower abdomen. Although she had just woken up in this body, she was indeed a little hungry.

Wait a minute, in a place like this where esoteric sects gather, is there really any normal food? I have a feeling I'm about to be led into a trap!

"Then please follow me." The girl bowed deeply to Kurosawa Shizuki, her smile somewhat sinister.

Kurosawa Shizuki had no choice but to bite the bullet and follow the girl out of the secret room. She knew nothing about the layout outside, or even what building she was in, so she needed someone to lead the way.

Outside was an underground passageway resembling an ancient tomb, damp, claustrophobic, and cold. Cracks covered the edges of the walls, and years of neglect made one worry that it might collapse at any moment. There were no electric lights here; only dim oil lamps hung along the way, flickering with a dark green, will-o'-the-wisp-like light.

Everywhere you look, there are talismans and talismans pasted on the walls. Kurosawa Shizuki can barely make out that these strange, scribbled things are actually composed of different languages. There are not only Taoist talismans in Chinese, but also Onmyōdō talismans in Japanese. Some walls are even engraved with strange seals in Greek and Latin. It's a mystery what is being suppressed in this base that requires the believers to solemnly arrange so many talismans.

Every now and then, several distorted shapes resembling human faces could be seen appearing on the wall. Before Kurosawa Shizuki could examine them closely, these faces would all disappear in the next instant.

Occasionally, other believers could be seen hurrying along the way. Upon seeing Kurosawa Shizuki, they all bowed respectfully. Kurosawa Shizuki maintained her aloof demeanor and merely nodded, but all the believers who received her response looked flattered.

The labyrinthine underground base twisted and turned, and the young woman, who seemed to be a loyal henchman, led Kurosawa Shizuki into a rather deep area.

Along the way, Kurosawa Shizuki casually struck up conversations with the young woman, who answered all her questions without any suspicion, as if it were a great honor for Kurosawa Shizuki to even speak to her.